Cheers and Jeers: Jan. 12, 2013

Published: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 9:42 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 9:42 p.m.

Rain, rain go away — No one likes the torrential rains we had this week, and the worries about high water were widespread.

Those worries, though, proved more cautionary than frightening.

While there was some high water, our region escaped what could have been serious flooding.

For that, we can all give thanks.

The local departments of public works and the many people who work for them did their jobs and then some.

It's always great to see a storm approach, then watch it recede having left no serious damage.

This was one of those storms.

CHEERS

A great honor — Quvenzhané Wallis is just 9 years old, but she already has an honor never bestowed on the vast majority of people — even the vast majority of people in her field.

Wallis was nominated this week for an Academy Award for best actress for her part in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”

The widely acclaimed movie also garnered nominations for best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay.

Wallis is the youngest person to ever get a best actress nomination.

That is already quite a distinction for such a young actress, but a fitting one.

Wallis plays the part of Hushpuppy in the film, which follows the story of her and her on-screen father as they deal with the loss of their home.

It is a beautiful tale and one worth seeing if you are one of the few local folks who hasn't already seen it.

Congratulations to Wallis, and good luck in the awards process. You deserve every success.

CHEERS

Welcome back — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is still suspended, so he has not resumed his normal duties with the team.

But he has received a rich reward. Payton this week signed a five-year extension of his contract with the Saints, a deal that should make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL.

For Payton and the team, the signing removes the lingering doubt over his future. For fans, it reinforces the belief that the Saints will remain perennial playoff contenders once Payton returns to the team and takes back up the coaching challenge.

This year is one the Saints' fans would sooner forget, with the mediocre performance on the field and the bountygate suspensions distracting from the team's play.

With Payton re-signed, though, all thoughts can turn to next year and a return to glory.

CHEERS

Getting pretty — Local officials have some aesthetic upgrades planned for downtown Houma — changes that should make the city nicer to look at and safer for motorists.

“We want to soften the urban look we currently have downtown with so much cement,” said Anne Picou, Main Street manager for Terrebonne Parish. “It will help soften the area and increase foot traffic.”

One of the key changes will include “bulb-outs,” curb and sidewalk areas that will have plants and trees and extend into streets. They are planned for a number of downtown locations and should significantly improve the look of the city.

They will also function as mental warning signs to motorists, causing them to slow down as they pass through the most-congested parts of town.

The project is still being designed, but it is an exciting idea to improve the local landscape.

<p class="bold allcaps">CHEERS</p>
<p>Rain, rain go away — No one likes the torrential rains we had this week, and the worries about high water were widespread.</p><p>Those worries, though, proved more cautionary than frightening.</p><p>While there was some high water, our region escaped what could have been serious flooding.</p><p>For that, we can all give thanks.</p><p>The local departments of public works and the many people who work for them did their jobs and then some.</p><p>It's always great to see a storm approach, then watch it recede having left no serious damage.</p><p>This was one of those storms.</p><h3>CHEERS</h3>
<p>A great honor — Quvenzhané Wallis is just 9 years old, but she already has an honor never bestowed on the vast majority of people — even the vast majority of people in her field.</p><p>Wallis was nominated this week for an Academy Award for best actress for her part in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”</p><p>The widely acclaimed movie also garnered nominations for best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay.</p><p>Wallis is the youngest person to ever get a best actress nomination.</p><p>That is already quite a distinction for such a young actress, but a fitting one.</p><p>Wallis plays the part of Hushpuppy in the film, which follows the story of her and her on-screen father as they deal with the loss of their home.</p><p>It is a beautiful tale and one worth seeing if you are one of the few local folks who hasn't already seen it.</p><p>Congratulations to Wallis, and good luck in the awards process. You deserve every success.</p><h3>CHEERS</h3>
<p>Welcome back — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is still suspended, so he has not resumed his normal duties with the team.</p><p>But he has received a rich reward. Payton this week signed a five-year extension of his contract with the Saints, a deal that should make him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL.</p><p>For Payton and the team, the signing removes the lingering doubt over his future. For fans, it reinforces the belief that the Saints will remain perennial playoff contenders once Payton returns to the team and takes back up the coaching challenge.</p><p>This year is one the Saints' fans would sooner forget, with the mediocre performance on the field and the bountygate suspensions distracting from the team's play.</p><p>With Payton re-signed, though, all thoughts can turn to next year and a return to glory.</p><h3>CHEERS</h3>
<p>Getting pretty — Local officials have some aesthetic upgrades planned for downtown Houma — changes that should make the city nicer to look at and safer for motorists.</p><p>“We want to soften the urban look we currently have downtown with so much cement,” said Anne Picou, Main Street manager for Terrebonne Parish. “It will help soften the area and increase foot traffic.”</p><p>One of the key changes will include “bulb-outs,” curb and sidewalk areas that will have plants and trees and extend into streets. They are planned for a number of downtown locations and should significantly improve the look of the city.</p><p>They will also function as mental warning signs to motorists, causing them to slow down as they pass through the most-congested parts of town.</p><p>The project is still being designed, but it is an exciting idea to improve the local landscape.</p><p>Editorials represent the opinions of</p><p>the newspaper, not of any individual.</p>